Mounting pin for a sports net

ABSTRACT

A pin mount system for releasably mounting a sports net to a ground surface, for example a hockey net to an ice surface. The sports net includes at least one post having an end. The pin mount system includes: a pin having a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end for positioning within the post, a resilient member such as a spring coil in compression to normally exert an extensive force to the pin to extend the distal end of the pin past the end of the post, and a handle operably connected to the pin to retract the pin against the resilient member. The pin is releasable from the ground surface in response to an amount of force applied to the sports net, and the sports net stays in place when minor force is applied, for example.

CROSS-REFERENCE

This application claims the benefit of priority to Canadian Patent Application No. 2,924,480 filed Mar. 22, 2016 entitled MOUNTING PIN FOR A SPORTS NET, the contents of which are hereby expressly incorporated by reference in the Detailed Description of Example Embodiments, herein below.

FIELD

Example embodiments generally relate to securing of a sports net to a ground surface.

BACKGROUND

Professional hockey nets can be mounted by having a flexible (e.g. polymer) peg drilled through the ground concrete. A layer of ice is typically formed on top of the ground concrete. The hockey net is then placed onto the peg, and is releasably moveable from the peg when a sufficient force is exerted onto the hockey net, for example should a player contact the post. The peg stays in place when the hockey net moves off of the peg. This can prevent injuries to the player. The hockey net stays in place when minor force is applied.

In some other scenarios, holes are drilled into the ice and a rigid pointed pin is placed into each hole, with the hockey net placed onto the pins. The hockey net stays in place when minor force is applied. The hockey net and pin will release from the ice when a sufficient force is exerted onto the hockey net, for example should a player contact the post. The hockey net stays in place when minor force is applied.

At least some of these types of systems may involve prolonged setup or takedown of the hockey net, and may not be convenient for takedown and/or storage of the components when not in use. Additional difficulties with existing systems may be appreciated in view of the Detailed Description of Example Embodiments, herein below.

SUMMARY

In an example embodiment, there is provided a pin mount system for releasably mounting a sports net to a ground surface, for example a hockey net to an ice surface. The sports net includes at least one post having an end. The pin mount system includes: a pin having a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end for positioning within the post, a resilient member in compression to normally exert an extensive force to the pin to extend the distal end of the pin past the end of the post, and a handle operably connected to the pin to retract the pin against the resilient member. The pin is releasable from the ground surface in response to an amount of force applied to the sports net, and the sports net stays in place when minor force is applied, for example.

In another example embodiment, there is provided a sports net system including a sports net having at least one post which includes a first end, and the pin mount system for securing the first end to the ground surface.

In another example embodiment, there is provided a use of the pin mount system, for releasably mounting of the sports net to the ground surface.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying drawings which show example embodiments of the present application, and in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a front perspective view of a hockey net system, including a mounting pin system, in accordance with an example embodiment;

FIG. 2 illustrates a rear perspective view of the hockey net system shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 illustrates a detail perspective view of 3 shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 illustrates a top view of the hockey net system shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 illustrates a sectional view of the hockey net system taken along A-A in FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 illustrates a detail side view of 6 shown in FIG. 5 with a handle for the mounting pin system;

FIG. 7 illustrates the detail side view of FIG. 5 with the handle in another mode of operation;

FIG. 8 illustrates the detail side view of FIG. 7 without the handle and detailing further features;

FIG. 9 illustrates a detail side view of 9 shown in FIG. 5, illustrating the mounting pin system in an extended position, in accordance with an example embodiment;

FIG. 10 illustrates the detail side view of FIG. 9 in a retracted position;

FIG. 11 illustrates the detail side view of FIG. 9 in an extended position wherein the mounting pin system is adjusted to be further extended;

FIG. 12 illustrates the detail side view of FIG. 11 in a retracted position; and

FIG. 13 illustrates an exploded perspective view of the mounting pin system, in accordance with an example embodiment.

Similar reference numerals may have been used in different figures to denote similar components.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

In an example embodiment, there is provided a pin mount system for releasably mounting a sports net to a ground surface, for example a hockey net to an ice surface. The sports net includes at least one post having an end. The pin mount system includes: a pin having a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end for positioning within the post, a resilient member in compression to normally exert an extensive force to the pin to extend the distal end of the pin past the end of the post, and a handle operably connected to the pin to retract the pin against the resilient member. The pin is releasable from the ground surface in response to an amount of force applied to the sports net, and the sports net stays in place when minor force is applied, for example.

In another example embodiment, there is provided a sports net system including a sports net having at least one post which includes a first end, and the pin mount system for securing the first end to the ground surface.

In another example embodiment, there is provided a use of the pin mount system, for releasably mounting of the sports net to the ground surface.

Reference is first made to FIGS. 1 to 10, which illustrate a sports net system 100 in accordance with an example embodiment. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, the sports net system 100 can include a sports net 102 such as a hockey net. As best shown in FIG. 9, in an example embodiment, the sports net system 100 includes a pin mount system 200 for releasably mounting of the sports net 102 to a ground surface 104, such as ice.

Generally, as shown in FIG. 9, a pin 202 of the pin mount system 200 can be forced or biased to be in a normally extended position. The ground surface 104 or ice can have a hole 140 that is dug or otherwise formed to receive a shape of the pin 202. The pin 202 assists in mounting the sports net 102 to the ground surface 104. The pin 202 is releasable from the ground surface 104 in response to an amount of force applied to the sports net 102, and the sports net 102 stays in place when minor force is applied, for example.

As best shown in FIG. 1, the sports net 102 can be used to support a mesh or net (not shown for simplicity) that traps a sports article such as a puck, for example when a goal is scored. Setup of the sports net 102 includes setting the sports net 102 to a desired position at the location of the hole 140 in the ground surface 104 (FIG. 9). In an example embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, the sports net 102 includes a number of posts and/or bars (which can be referred to interchangeably herein), shown as first post 106, second post 108, rear post 110, upper front crossbar 112, upper rear crossbar 114, and lower rear crossbar 116. In an example embodiment, the first post 106 can define a respective hollow end 122, and the second post 108 can define a respective hollow end 124. These posts/bars of the sports net 102 can be hollow and/or define a respective channel, in an example embodiment. These posts/bars of the sports net 102 can be formed of rigid material, such as metal or plastic, in an example embodiment. In other example embodiments, these posts/bars can be formed of semi-rigid or resilient material such as polymer, composite, hard rubber, etc.

As shown in FIG. 1, the sports net 102 can also include elbows 118, 120, which act as connecting joints between the posts/bars. Other connectors or fasteners can be used to connect the posts/bars, in an example embodiment.

Referring now to FIGS. 5 to 8, a handle 130 located at a center of the crossbar 112 can be used to manually retract the pin 202 from the ground surface 104, therefore releasing the pin 202 from the ground surface 104. For example, this can be performed during takedown and subsequent storage of the sports net system 100. The pin 202 can remain stored within the post 106 until the sports net 102 is desired to be used again. During setup, the handle 130 can be used for manual extension of the pin 202, for example for installation of the sports net system 100 onto the hole 140 of the ground surface 104.

As shown in FIG. 9, the pin mount system 200 can be generally contained within the first post 106. Referring again to FIGS. 5 to 8, in an example embodiment, a second pin mount system 300 having a respective pin 302 can be configured substantially similar to the pin mount system 200. The second pin mount system 300 can be contained within the second post 108. In an example embodiment, the handle 130 can be operably connected to the pin mount system 200 by way of a first cable 132 that is threaded through the first post 106 and the upper front crossbar 112. In an example embodiment, the handle 130 can also be operably connected to the second pin mount system 300 by way of a second cable 134 that is threaded through the second post 108 and the upper front crossbar 112. The cables 132, 134 can be formed of a suitable material having suitable tensile strength, such as steel or metal. In an example embodiment, the same handle 130 can be used to operate both pin mount systems 200, 300. For example, operation of the same handle 130 can be used to retract both the pin 202 of the pin mount system 200, as well as a pin 302 of the second pin mount system 300, for example for takedown, and/or storage, etc. Similarly, for setup and/or installation onto the ground surface 104, operation of the handle 130 can be used to extend both the pin 202 of the pin mount system 200, as well as the pin 302 of the second pin mount system 300.

Reference is now made to FIG. 13, which illustrates an exploded perspective view of the mounting pin system 200 to illustrate the features in greater detail, in accordance with an example embodiment. Generally, a resilient member 204 such as a spring coil (as shown) can be used to force or bias the pin 202 to a normally extended position. Other bias means can be used, such as resilient or elastic materials, in other example embodiments.

Still referring to FIG. 13, a housing comprises a cap 206, a housing body 208, and a foot 210 (can be collectively referred to herein as housing 206, 208, 210), which can be connected together by way of screw threads, as shown, for example. The housing 206, 208, 210 is used to house at least part of the pin 202 and the resilient member 204, for example. The cap 206, the housing body 208 and the foot 210 each define a respective channel 212, 214, 216 for movement of certain components there through.

A loop connector 218 can be fixedly secured to a middle connector 220, for example using screw threads. The loop connector 218 can move freely through the channel 212 of the cap 206, in an example embodiment. The middle connector 220 can include a flange 222 which nests or secures the resilient member 204 between the flange 222 and the cap 206, and wherein the resilient member 204 (spring coil) surrounds the middle connector 220. As can be seen in FIG. 9, the top end of the resilient member 204 is secured in a fixed position with respect to the post 106, while the bottom end of the resilient member engages with and is moveable against the flange 222 when providing an extensive force to the pin 202.

The pin 202 includes a proximal end 224 and a distal end 226. The proximal end 224 can be fixedly secured to the middle connector 220, for example using respective screw threads. The pin 202 can generally move through the respective channels 214, 216 of the housing body 208 and the foot 210. As shown in FIG. 13, in an example embodiment, the distal end 226 of the pin 202 comprises a taper to an end point. In other example embodiments, the distal end 226 can comprise other suitable shapes, such as “t” or cross-shaped cross-section, star or asterisk shaped cross-section, cut-off conical (which can have a flat-blade tip or a serrated blade tip, for example), additional lateral hooks, flanges, serrations, etc.

In an example embodiment, the pin 202 is formed of a rigid material, such as metal, aluminum, stainless steel, zinc-plated, etc. In other example embodiments, the pin 202 is formed of semi-rigid or resilient material such as polymer, composite, hard rubber, etc.

Referring to both FIGS. 9 and 13, the foot 210 includes a flange 230 which rests under the end 122 of the post 106, and can be sandwiched between the end 122 of the post 106 and the ground surface 104. This generally keeps the housing 206, 208, 210 in a generally fixed position in relation to the post 106 of the sports net 102. In some other example embodiments, other fasteners can be used to secure the housing 206, 208, 210 to the post 106 of the sports net 102.

Referring still to both FIGS. 9 and 13, a connection or coupling is made between the loop connector 218 and the cable 132 by way of a hook 228, or carabiner, or fastener, etc. Therefore, operation of the handle 130 (FIG. 6) results in pulling of the proximal end 224 of the pin 202, resulting in retraction of the pin 202 within the post 106.

Referring still to both FIGS. 9 and 13, the proximal end 224 of the pin 202 is nested within the post 106. The resilient member 204 is normally in compression in order to exert an extensive force to the proximal end 224 of the pin 202. This results in the distal end 226 of the pin 202 extending past the end 122 of the post 106, when the pin mount system 200 is in use and the sports net 102 is mounted onto the ground surface 104.

As shown in FIG. 9, based on the extension force from the resilient member 204, an amount of the distal end 226 of the pin 202 normally extends past the end 122 of the post 106. The pin 202 is forced or biased into the extended state by the resilient member 204. The amount that extends past can be specified based on the geometry of the components, and as a function of the stiffness (force) from the resilient member 204, which can be determined to permit release from the ground surface 104 in response to an amount of force applied to the post 106. The example shown in FIG. 9 is about half of an inch extension past the end 122 of the post 106, and into the ground surface 104.

As shown in FIG. 10, based on operation of the handle 130 (FIG. 6), the pin 202 can be retracted against the force of the resilient member 204 such that the distal end 226 of the pin 202 is retracted or nests within the end 122 of the post 106. The sports net 102 can then be removed and stored, with the pin mount system 200 readily available for the next setup, for example.

Referring again to FIGS. 5 to 8, the pin 202 of the pin mount system 200 can be maintained in this retracted state for longer periods, for example using a double over-center lock 250 operably coupled to the handle 130, in an example embodiment. As best shown in FIG. 8, the double over-center lock 250 comprises a cam 252 which is pivotally connected to the first cable 132 and pivotally connected to the second cable 134. The handle 130 is connected to the cam 252, wherein rotation of the handle 130 results in rotation of the cam 252. As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, upon rotation of the handle 130, the first cable 132 and the second cable 134 become pulled and tightened due to rotation of the cam 252. Once the handle 130 passes over a certain angle of rotation, the double over-center lock 250 remains in the tightened position, resulting in prolonged retraction of the pins 202, 302 (FIG. 5). As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, a first cover 254 and a second cover 256 can also be used to cover the cam 252 and to further assist with rotation aspects of the cam 252. The double over-center lock 250 may also include springs, keepers, and locks (not shown) which can also assist in moving and keeping the handle 130 in the locked position.

Rather than a double over-center lock 250, in other example embodiments a single over-center lock (not shown) can be used, for example when there is only one pin 202.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 11 and 12, which illustrate a manual extension adjustment feature of the pin mount system 200, in accordance with an example embodiment. As described above, the housing body 208 and the foot 210 have corresponding screw threads for connecting together. In an example embodiment, the amount of normal extension of the pin 202 can be selected by adjusting the amount of screw connection between the housing body 208 and the foot 210. Screwing the housing body 208 and the foot 210 together completely results in maximum extension of the pin 202, as illustrated in FIG. 11. The configuration shown in FIG. 11 can represent about one inch (or more) of extension past into the ground surface 104, for example. As illustrated in FIG. 12, the pin 202 can be retracted within the post 106, by manual operation of the handle 130 (FIG. 6).

Referring again to FIG. 9, the amount of extension of the pin 202 in the configuration represents a partial screw connection between the housing body 208 and the foot 210. In this embodiment, only the tapered distal end 226 of the pin 202 is penetrating into the ground surface 104, about half of an inch, for example.

In an example embodiment, referring to FIG. 13, another way to adjust the amount of normal extension of the pin 202 can be to adjust the amount of screw connection between the pin 202 and the middle connector 220, for example.

In some example embodiments, the handle 130 may be positioned at different locations. For example, the handle 130 can be mounted to the first post 106 (FIG. 5) in an example embodiment, for activation of only the one pin mount system 200. In an example embodiment, a separate second handle (not shown) can be used to actuate the second pin mount system 300, and can be mounted to the second post 108 (FIG. 5), for example.

In an example embodiment, further pin mount systems (not shown) can have a respective pin which can be used for mounting of the sports net 102 to the ground surface 104. For example, a third pin mount system (not shown) having a respective retractable pin can be located in the rear post 110 (FIG. 5). The third pin mount system (not shown) may be activated by the handle 130 or its own handle (not shown), in example embodiments.

The above example embodiments have primarily described the pin mount system 200 for mounting of a hockey net to an ice surface. In some example embodiments, the sports net 102 may comprises other types of sports nets, for example soccer nets, lacrosse nets, etc. In some example embodiments, in some suitable applications the ground surface 104 may comprises ground surfaces such as dirt, sand, grass, rubber, wood, etc. In some example embodiments, the ground surface 104 may comprise a gymnasium floor having holes that can have corresponding covers (not shown) when not being used.

It can be appreciated that, in some example embodiments, screw thread connections that are described or illustrated can be exterior screw threads which engage interior screw threads, or vice-versa as applicable. In some example embodiments, other connections or fasteners can be used instead of screw thread connections, as applicable.

Variations may be made to some example embodiments, which may include combinations and sub-combinations of any of the above. The various embodiments presented above are merely examples and are in no way meant to limit the scope of this disclosure. Variations of the innovations described herein will be apparent to persons of ordinary skill in the art, such variations being within the intended scope of the present disclosure. In particular, features from one or more of the above-described embodiments may be selected to create alternative embodiments comprised of a sub-combination of features which may not be explicitly described above. In addition, features from one or more of the above-described embodiments may be selected and combined to create alternative embodiments comprised of a combination of features which may not be explicitly described above. Features suitable for such combinations and sub-combinations would be readily apparent to persons skilled in the art upon review of the present disclosure as a whole. The subject matter described herein intends to cover and embrace all suitable changes in technology.

Certain adaptations and modifications of the described embodiments can be made. Therefore, the above discussed embodiments are considered to be illustrative and not restrictive. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A pin mount system for mounting a sports net to a ground surface, wherein the sports net includes at least one post having an end, the pin mount system comprising: a pin having a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end for positioning within the post; a resilient member in compression to normally exert an extensive force to the pin to extend the distal end of the pin past the end of the post; and a handle operably connected to the pin to retract the pin against the resilient member.
 2. The pin mount system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the resilient member comprises a spring coil.
 3. The pin mount system as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a cable which connects the handle to the proximal end of the pin.
 4. The pin mount system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the distal end of the pin comprises a taper to an end point.
 5. The pin mount system as claimed in claim 1, wherein an amount of the pin which normally extends past the end of the post is of a length which permits release from the ground surface in response to an amount of force applied to the post.
 6. The pin mount system as claimed in claim 1, wherein retraction of the pin causes retraction of the distal end of the pin to within the end of the post.
 7. The pin mount system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the pin is formed of a rigid material.
 8. The pin mount system as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a housing which defines a channel for housing of the pin, the pin moveable within the channel.
 9. The pin mount system as claimed in claim 8, wherein the housing includes a foot having a flange for engaging the end of the post.
 10. The pin mount system as claimed in claim 8, wherein the housing houses the resilient member.
 11. The pin mount system as claimed in claim 8, wherein the housing further comprises a first casing and a second casing, the first casing and the second casing including corresponding screw threads for connecting there between.
 12. The pin mount system as claimed in claim 11, wherein an amount of the pin which normally extends past the end of the post is adjustable by an amount of screw connection between the first casing and the second casing.
 13. The pin mount system as claimed in claim 1, further comprising an over-center lock which operably connects the handle to the pin.
 14. The pin mount system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the handle is located at a top center position of one of the posts which comprises an upper crossbar.
 15. The pin mount system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one post includes a second end, further comprising: a second pin for positioning within the second end; a second resilient member in compression to normally exert an extensive force to the second pin to extend the distal end past the second end; and the handle operably connected to the second pin to retract the pin against the second resilient member.
 16. A sports net system, comprising: a sports net having at least one post which includes a first end; and the pin mount system as claimed in claim 1 for securing the first end to the ground surface.
 17. The sports net system as claimed in claim 16, wherein the at least one post includes a second end, the sports net system further comprising a second pin mount system for securing the second end to the ground surface.
 18. The sports net system as claimed in claim 16, wherein the handle is operably connected to both the first pin mount system and the second pin mount system.
 19. The sports net system as claimed in claim 16, wherein the handle is located at a top center position of one of the posts which comprises an upper crossbar.
 20. A use of the pin mount system as claimed in claim 1, for releasably mounting of the sports net to the ground surface. 